Leaders of the Robinson Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California approved the disenrollment of about 50 people.

Chair Tracey Avila said the tribe was cleaning up its rolls by removing people who don't meet Pomo membership requirements. She said non-Pomos were adopted into the tribe during the termination era of the 1950s and 1960s.

Those who lose membership will be able to appeal to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, according to the tribe's constitution. But Avila disputed the notion that the agency will be able to tell the tribe what to do.

"That's her opinion," BIA superintendent Troy Burdick told The Lake County News.

Get the Story:
Robinson Rancheria moves forward with disenrollments (The Lake County News 12/17)

GAO Report:
Confirmation of Political Appointees: Eliciting Nominees' Views on Management Challenges within Agencies and across Government (November 24, 2008)

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Potential Interior picks pressed on disenrollment (12/10)
Series on Robinson Rancheria disenrollments (12/8)
Tribal membership disputes on nominee radar (12/2)